Gitmo’s 10th: Coalition Calls for End to Torture

011112

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

On Guantanamo’s 10th Anniversary, Interfaith Coalition of Religious Organizations Call for an End to Torture

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) includes 50 organizations today organized a rally in front of the White House on Wednesday, January 11th.
New York, NY – January 11, 2012: The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) has organized a rally to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. On January 11th, 2012, representatives from over 50 religious and advocacy groups were in Washington DC, including Amnesty International and the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). More than 1,000 people, representing the estimated number of prisoners still detained without fair trial at Guantanamo and Bagram, marched from the White House to the Capitol. It has been three years since President Obama pledged to close the facility.

Attorneys speaking at the rally against torture organized by a coalition of 50 organizations including ICNA.

“America must stand on higher grounds of justice and rule of law,” said Naeem Baig, Executive Director of ICNA’s Council for Social Justice. By keeping Guantanamo open, our government is providing fuel for those who are spreading hate against us. As a Muslim and an American, I believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect.”

Naeem Baig, Executive Director of The Islamic Circle of North America’s Council for Social Justice spoke at the rally

People representing all faiths and ethnicities gathered today to remind the President of his promise. Naeem Baig, Executive Director of ICNA’s Council for Social Justice, spoke about putting an end to an institution that has become a global symbol of torture.

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.